Question about Eneloop\Duraloop quality

[mikekoz]

I know Eneloops\Duraloops are good quality batteries. I also understand that the Japanese Duracell LSD's are just rebranded Sanyo's. I asked a similar question a while back, but only got one reply, and that was to do a search. (LOL) Do a search with the word Eneloop in it, and you will get about half the posts on the forum!I know there is a chart that has tests of various NIHM cells. These tests perform 2-10 amp loads on these cells which is not practical for the every day flashlight user. I do not know of any AA light that pulls that much current. Maybe the TK40 comes close. I do not know of ANY light that pulls that much. My question is this. For the average person using AA lights, what is going to be the advantage using Eneloops or the Japanese LSD's? Runtime? More cycles? I am looking for real world, non technical answers and any and all responses would be welcome!

 

[Niconical]

You're right that answers regarding eneloops on the forum do tend to lean towards high drain, high current, and pushing them to the limit. Camera flashes, powerful flashlights, etc.

They are very good for all other uses as well. Think of it this way. If you use your batteries hard and often, all day every day, the best choice is...., the eneloop. If on the other hand you use them more gently and sporadically, a seldom used flashlight, TV remote, night light stuck to the inside of a drawer, wireless doorbell for your Grandmother, anything really, then the answer is still the eneloop due to their quality of manufacturing and low self discharge. I've just completed a break-in (periodic charge/dishcarge/charge cycle done for general battery maintenance with results reported on charger) on all of my eneloops and various assorted others, and I am still amazed by the quality and consistency of the eneloop.

There are some niche situations in which non eneloop batteries would be better, but as a general rule anyone who is using a battery for that situation will already know.

Whatever your intended use for a AA or AAA nimh battery, the eneloop should be your first choice.

As for the Duraloop, the Japanese made ones with the white top are rebranded eneloops. For anything eneloop related, search for posts and threads by forum member Bones. He (or she?) is IMO pretty much the world authority on all things eneloop.

 

[Marduke]

The emitter is not driven at 2A, but the voltage needs boosted so the cells do routinely see 2A. Think about every AA light with ~1hr of runtime on high.

In practical sense, Eneloops/Duraloops will last longer (life cycle wise), give better performance under load (higher voltage), better performance after periods of non-use (residual voltage and low self discharge), and will give a consistent performance throughout their lives.

 

[mikekoz]

The emitter is not driven at 2A, but the voltage needs boosted so the cells do routinely see 2A. Think about every AA light with ~1hr of runtime on high.

In practical sense, Eneloops/Duraloops will last longer (life cycle wise), give better performance under load (higher voltage), better performance after periods of non-use (residual voltage and low self discharge), and will give a consistent performance throughout their lives.

Thank you .....this makes sense!!:twothumbs Thank you both for your replies. I think I am getting a better grip on all of this Eneloop/Duraloop thing. Sanyo could have come up with a better name for the cells than Eneloop though!!:nana:

 

[VidPro]

and will give a consistent performance throughout their lives.

and seem to be living longer TOO, only DuraBULL Battery that actually Was Durable

 

[Marduke]

and seem to be living longer TOO, only DuraBULL Battery that actually Was Durable

That's why I opened with that as my first point.